There are some unique problems in the pool business, but one of the hardest and most expensive is finding reliable employees. Getting and keeping good employees has always been and will remain one of the toughest parts of running a successful pool business.
The pool industry thrives on a constant influx of new and mostly seasonal workers every year. The workers are then whipped into shape and thrown right into the deep end, so to speak. This happens in all areas of employment for pools.
As a construction worker, you have to build pools in all kinds of weather and at all hours of the day and night. As a pool maintenance worker, you have to service a huge number of pools every day. There are no easy days in the pool business. Pool work is very hard. This alone excludes the vast majority of the population from ever joining, or staying, in the pool industry. Some people stay for a few years because it’s a good way to make money while they’re in college. Most people just choose to do something that is easier, less tiring, and takes less time than working on pools.
Swimming pool companies have a much higher employee turnover rate than other similar service and skilled, trade-based industries. This is the nature of a largely seasonal industry. Most busy companies will devote a huge amount of money and resources towards hiring, training and retaining employees. Traditional warnings about how hard pool work is don’t stop many new employees from quitting after less than a week when they see how much work it takes.
It would be great if you could separate the good candidates from the bad ones during the interview process with a few well-chosen, direct questions. This alone would save a huge amount of money and time, and it would help find candidates with the “right stuff” right from the interview stage.
But we live in a safe and cushioned world, and these interview questions are “not appropriate” for “professional settings.” You “need to stop” or we’ll “call the police.” ” Pfffffff. Whatever. Before you go any further, here are the best interview questions that you should never ask potential employees. If you don’t want to upset a special snowflake and just need to find someone to wheel in some concrete, these questions are perfect:
It can be hard to find the right pool service technician, especially if you just bought a pool. There are a lot of choices, so it’s important to ask the right questions to find someone who is qualified, experienced, and trustworthy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key questions you should ask potential pool service technicians, along with insights from industry experts. We’ll also provide additional resources to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s dive in!
Key Questions to Ask Pool Service Technicians
1. Are you licensed and insured?
This is a very important question that will protect you in case of an accident or damage to your property. Pool service techs don’t need to be licensed in most states, but they should have insurance. Ask to see proof of their insurance coverage.
2 How long have you been servicing pools and how did you get your training?
Experience is important, so look for a technician who has been in the business for several years. Inquire about their training and how often they refresh their knowledge.
3. Do you service other pools in the neighborhood or have local references to vouch for your experience?
Word-of-mouth referrals are a great way to find a reliable pool service technician. Ask if they service other pools in your neighborhood or if they can provide references from satisfied customers.
4. How much do you charge per visit?
Get quotes from several technicians before making a decision. Be sure to compare apples to apples, as some technicians may charge more for additional services, such as chemical balancing or equipment maintenance.
5 Is a contract for service required?
A service contract outlines the scope of work and the responsibilities of both the technician and the pool owner. Read the contract carefully before signing it.
6. How often is service recommended and what specific tasks will each service call consist of?
The frequency of service will depend on the size and type of pool, as well as the climate. Ask the technician to provide a detailed list of the tasks they will perform during each service call
7. How flexible is your schedule in case I need a last-minute cleaning or an emergency service call?
Life happens so it’s important to have a technician who can accommodate your needs. Ask about their availability for last-minute appointments and emergency service calls.
Additional Tips for Finding a Pool Service Technician
In addition to asking the questions above, here are a few additional tips for finding a pool service technician:
- Get recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors.
- Read online reviews.
- Check with your local pool supply store or pool builder.
- Get quotes from several technicians before making a decision.
- Trust your gut instinct.
Finding the right pool service technician is essential for keeping your pool clean and healthy. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can find a qualified and experienced technician who will meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to hire a pool service technician?
A: The cost of pool service varies depending on the size and type of pool, the frequency of service, and the location. On average, you can expect to pay between $80 and $150 per month for pool service.
Q: What are the benefits of hiring a pool service technician?
A: Hiring a pool service technician can save you time and hassle, and ensure that your pool is properly maintained. A qualified technician will have the knowledge and experience to keep your pool clean, balanced, and safe.
Q: What should I do if I’m not happy with my pool service technician?
A: If you’re not happy with your pool service technician, talk to them about your concerns. If you’re still not satisfied, you can always find a new technician.
Additional Resources
- The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
- The National Swimming Pool Foundation
- The Better Business Bureau
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about pool service technicians and how to find the right one for your needs.
CAN YOU REFRAIN FROM PUNCHING DIFFICULT CUSTOMERS IN THE FACE?
The swimming pool industry is notorious for customers who scream, yell, accuse and insult. For some reason, just having a swimming pool vacuum in your hand makes people want to take out all their bad moods on you. You could be sued if you hire someone who can’t leave someone when they’re being rude, and it’s hard to be professional when someone says on Yelp that your employee waterboarded them in the shallow end of the pool after a fight about water chemistry. You can also just hit the person during the interview. If they hit you back, they are either not a suitable employee. or your next service manager.
“Yes, I would never punch a customer in the face. I would never punch them in the face. Instead, I would hit them in the stomach or back, or maybe even the middle with a phone book. “.
WHAT IS THE LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE EVER WORKED?
It’s unlikely that someone who has only worked eight-hour shifts before will be able to handle working on pools. During the busiest times of the year, it’s common to work more than 16 hours. You need to make sure they can handle that many hours, because this is the worst time of the year to be short-staffed because someone else couldn’t handle it. If you lose someone during the busiest time of the pool season, you’ll have to work from dawn until dusk and also find, hire, and train a new worker. What you really want is someone who has worked at least 16 to 20 hours consecutively before. These people understand the pain associated with a marathon pool shift. Unfortunately, this means pool companies are largely staffed with ex-military personnel, convicts and insane people.
“I once worked a 36-hour shift finishing concrete/fighting forest fires/performing surgery. I was tired, but I had to do the job, so I put my head down and worked until we got there. The physical and emotional stress did, in fact, take a small amount of time away from my life, but “.
